University of Oregon cross country runner with cerebral palsy is breaking barriers

EUGENE, Ore. — A runner from the University of Oregon just made history.

When Justin Gallegos crossed the finish line at a cross country race last weekend a Nike representative greeted him and surprised him with a special offer–an endorsement deal with popular athletic brand, according to a video Elevation Om published to YouTube.

Gallegos is now the first professional Nike athlete in history with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects muscle and motor function.

“I’m still kinda in shock that it happened,” Gallegos said. “You don’t have to let your disability or physical impairment stop you.”